How can a car be changing velocity yet not changing speed?

Speed is a scalar, which means the car's speed will be a value that has a magnitude (number) only. Velocity is a vector, which means that the car's velocity will be a value that has both magnitude and direction. In this case, the car is changing its direction of travel but the magnitude of the speed stays the same.

JL
Answered by Jade L. Physics tutor

4445 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the Rutherford scattering experiment and what did it tell us about the nature of the atom?


Is F=ma Newton's 2nd Laws of Motion?


Can you explain the Work-Energy principle and how you can apply it in a simple situation such as a box sliding down a rough slope?


State Faraday's Law of electromagnetic induction, both qualitatively and quantitatively. How is Lenz's Law included in this? (4 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning